I’m finding this comes up in my health journey. I been counting calories combined with working out in hopes to lose weight. I’ve noticed when I have a bad day or emotional days I start to thinking about desserts, chips, just food I shouldn’t be eating in general. It becomes easier to fall into that temptation the more I let myself think about it. I think reading the Bible and knowing some of the teachings by memory helps me replace those thoughts in moments of weakness.

The challenge to look within. There are areas of weakness in my character that would threaten what God has entrusted to me. As I am looking within I see areas where light doesn’t shine, my fears and insecurities feast within these parts of my character. I reach in and they cling to the shadows. I know they live within me and they spew out in moments of weakness. I’ve lied to love ones, hid behind my shame, and fall into contentment. I pray God helps me remain obedient to the way he wants me to build my life and sharpens my character and abilities so I can be a man that will remain. Amen.

Dang this was powerful. I love what you said about not wasting the consequences of our actions. I need to feel it, allow it to hit me. I’m currently dealing with the consequences of my actions and instead of running from it or numbing it with sex or alcohol I’m allowing it to tear me apart. I’m going to friends and telling them what I’m going through, I’m journaling and most importantly I’m leaning into my bible. I want it to transform me and I want my old patterns of dealing with pain or rejections to die. I want it to produce true repentance within myself so I become wiser and I don’t put myself in the same situation. Thank you.

I love the recognition aspect of this devotional. By entertaining temptation we are creating the outcomes we don’t want. I been blaming the lust within myself on easy access to the internet.When I could be mature and place blockers, ask Instagram not to show certain content on my feed when it comes up, rather than hovering or watching for a couple seconds more. I think of Galatians5:16 “So let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” The more time I spend in my Bible and understanding what God is asking of me, and the better i become at identifying my sinful desires in the moment and shutting it down in a healthy manner. Brothers I pray we all Get better at discernment and obedience. I know I need prayer for that. Amen love you all

Love that. Strength isn’t turning it down, it’s keeping yourself away from the situation in the first place. Ive been guilty of that. My friends live a different way and I don’t want to be outcasted so I tag along. I’ve since learned to stand on my purpose and be ok with the road they are heading down isn’t for me anymore. Thanks for the reminder Sean.